MARGAO: The Goa State Coastal Management Authority (GCZMA) is set to continue its hearing on August 1, 2024, regarding complaints filed against Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) for purported violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms at Velsao Creek.
The case, initiated by complaints from two environmental groups – Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) and Goencho Ekvott (GE) via their respective presidents – Agnelo Rodrigues and Orville Dourado Rodrigues respectively – alleges that RVNL has violated CRZ regulations in Survey Nos 13/0 and 23/1 of Pale, Mormugao. The complaints, filed on April 3, 2022, prompted an investigation by the District Level Committee (DLC).
According to the DLC’s inspection report, RVNL was found to have filled a creek with mud within 500 metres of the High Tide Line (HTL, constituting a violation of the CRZ Notification 2011. This led to the issuance of a Show Cause Notice to RVNL, with a deadline of February 8, 2024, for response. However, RVNL failed to file any reply to the notice.
The case has seen multiple hearings and postponements since its inception. While the respondent (RVNL) has remained absent at all the rescheduled hearings, a lawyer representing the two groups complainants, Adv Leona Barretto, was present for the earlier hearing.
At its latest Board meeting, the Authority has now scheduled the hearing for August 1, 2024 at 3.30 pm.
It may be recalled that when the GCZMA team had come for the inspection, local residents had come forward to convey their concerns and also point to the alleged violations.
Locals had also questioned how Railways was continuing the work without obtaining the necessary CRZ clearances.
GE and GRE have been demanding action against the Railways for the alleged environmental degradation not just in Pale, but other parts of the village. The residents, who live near the tracks, have been opposing the ongoing double tracking works in Velsao.
